Nikon Z9 Review

Name: Nikon Z9
Brand: Nikon

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Main Features

46MP - Full frame Stacked CMOS Sensor

ISO 64 - 25600( expands to 32 - 102400)

5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3.20" Tilting Screen

3686k dot Electronic viewfinder

30.0fps continuous shooting

8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps Video Recording

10-bit 4:2:2 Color

Built-in Wireless

Built-in GPS

1340g. 149 x 150 x 91 mm

Weather Sealed Body

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Nikon Z9 Overview

Updated: 2021-10-29

First introduced in October 2021 , Nikon Z9 is a 46.0MP Pro Mirrorless camera with a Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized Stacked CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather sealed body, Tilting touch screen and Nikon Z lens mount.

Nikon Z9 Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Nikon Z9 is a member of Nikon's Z series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

Nikon Z Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Nikon Z30 Compare	2022	21.0MP - APS-C	11.0 fps	128 x 74 x 60mm	405g
Nikon Z9	2021	46.0MP - Full frame	30.0 fps	149 x 150 x 91mm	1340g
Nikon Z fc Compare	2021	21.0MP - APS-C	11.0 fps	135 x 94 x 44mm	445g
Nikon Z6 II Compare	2020	25.0MP - Full frame	14.0 fps	134 x 101 x 70mm	705g
Nikon Z7 II Compare	2020	46.0MP - Full frame	10.0 fps	134 x 101 x 70mm	705g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
Nikon Z30 vs Z9 vs Z fc vs Z6 Mark II vs Z7 Mark II

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon Z9 PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon Z9 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Zero Blackout Viewfinder

Unlimited Video Recording (no 30min limit)

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Bluetooth Connectivity

5-axis Image Stabilization

Articulating Screen

8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps Video Recording

No crop on 4K Videos

10-bit 4:2:2 Color

Touch Screen

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

Face Detection Focusing

46.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

25.600 Max ISO

493 Focus Points

Large 3.20" Screen

2.089k dots LCD Resolution

1/32000s Electronic Shutter Speed

30.0fps Shooting

Long Battery Life (740 shots)

External Microphone Port

External Headphone Port

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

3686kdot Viewfinder Resolution

0.8x magnification - Large Viewfinder

Good Low Light ISO - 2451

2 Storage Slots

120fps High Speed Video

Top LCD Display

Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV

Flash Sync Port

Focus Bracketing

Focus Stacking

Illuminated Buttons

Dual-axis Electronic Level

Remote control with a smartphone

Magnesium Alloy body elements

Real time Animal Eye AF

Compatible with ultra fast Type B CFexpress cards

Webcam Functionality

USB Charging

Vehicle Tracking AF Mode

Full-size HDMI Port

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Buy Nikon Z9 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

Low Max Shutter Speed: 1/s

Heavy Body: 1340g

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Nikon Z9 Physical Specs

Nikon Z9 weighs 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) and has external dimensions of 149 x 150 x 91 mm (5.87 x 5.91 x 3.58″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 456g, Nikon Z9 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 91mm, it is not small either, 38mm thicker than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

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Nikon Z9

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Thickness Comparison

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Nikon Z9

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Here is the front and top view image of Nikon Z9 with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon Z9 Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon Z9, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Nikon Z9 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon Z9 with its main competitors:

Nikon Z9 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs Z9	Thickness	vs Z9
Nikon D850 Compare	1015g	325g lighter	79mm	12mm thinner
Nikon Z7 II Compare	705g	635g lighter	70mm	21mm thinner
Sony A1 Compare	737g	603g lighter	81mm	10mm thinner
Canon R3 Compare	1015g	325g lighter	87mm	4mm thinner
Canon R5 Compare	738g	602g lighter	88mm	3mm thinner
Nikon D6 Compare	1270g	70g lighter	92mm	1mm thicker
Sony A7 IV Compare	659g	681g lighter	81mm	10mm thinner
Nikon Z6 II Compare	705g	635g lighter	70mm	21mm thinner

Nikon Z9 Size Comparison Video

Weather Sealing

Nikon Z9 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Nikon Z9 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Nikon Z9 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

One of our favourite features on Nikon Z9 is its illuminated buttons which makes it easier to find and press the right buttons under dark conditions.

Nikon Z9 Lens Mount and Lenses

Nikon Z9 has a Nikon Z lens mount and currently there are 33 native lenses available for this mount.

Z9 also has a Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on Z9. Nikon claims that the image stabilization of Z9 is effective up to 6.0 stops. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC.

Weather Sealed Lenses for Nikon Z9

There are 24 lenses with weather sealing for Nikon Z9 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

Here are some of the most popular Nikon Z9 Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Nikon Z Mount Lenses for Nikon Z9

Model	Focal Length equiv.	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8	28-75mm	35mm FF	565gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S	24-120mm	35mm FF	630gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S	100-400mm	35mm FF	1355gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR	24-200mm	35mm FF	570gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F2	40mm	35mm FF	170gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S	105mm	35mm FF	630gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S	24-70mm	35mm FF	805gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z	14mm	35mm FF	810gr	MF	Amazon B&H Photo

Check our Nikon Z9 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

Nikon Z9 Sensor and Photography Features

Nikon Z9 has a 46.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized Stacked CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 8256 x 5504 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9. Z9 has a native ISO range of 64 - 25600 which can be boosted to 32 - 102400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Nikon Z9 is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sigma fp L with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon Z9 vs Sigma fp L or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

Nikon Z9 DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Nikon Z9 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 98 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Nikon Z9 here.

Let's look at how the size of the Nikon Z9's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Nikon Z9 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Nikon Z9 LCD and Viewfinder

Nikon Z9 has a Tilting 3.20-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2,089k dots. Tilting screens are more photography oriented while Fully articulated screens are highly preferred by videographers. The Nikon Z9's 3.20" screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

Unfortunately Nikon Z9 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Mirrorless Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

Selfie Friendly Tilting Screen of Nikon Z9

Z9 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 3,686kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later. The magnification ratio of the viewfinder is 0.8x (35mm equivalent).

Nikon Z9 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Nikon Z9 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 2.4, 5Ghz) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. Nikon Z9's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our Z9. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect Z9 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) port.

Nikon Z9 also features USB charging capability which let's you charge your camera via a usb cable without removing the battery.

Side View of Nikon Z9 - Connections

Nikon Z9 Battery

Nikon Z9 is powered by EN-EL18d battery which provides a battery life of 740 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 377 shots, Nikon Z9 has a good battery life for its class.

Battery Life Comparison in Pro Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon Z9

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Average

Max

Olympus E-M1X with its 870shots is the model with longest battery life among Pro Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon Z9 vs Olympus E-M1X or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

Storage compartment of Nikon Z9

Nikon Z9 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Nikon D850 Compare	3840 x 2160	1840shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nikon Z7 II Compare	3840 x 2160	420shots	Yes	Yes	No
Sony A1 Compare	7680 x 4320	530shots	Yes	Yes	No
Canon R3 Compare	6000 x 3164	760shots	Yes	Yes	No
Canon R5 Compare	8192 x 4320	320shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon D6 Compare	3840 x 2160	3580shots	Yes	Yes	No
Sony A7 IV Compare	3840 x 2160	600shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon Z6 II Compare	3840 x 2160	410shots	Yes	Yes	No

Nikon Z9 Video Features

With Nikon Z9, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 7680 x 4320 at 30p, 25p, 24p fps and save in H.264 and H.265 formats. This means that Nikon Z9 provides an impressive 8K video, highest resolution that is available in the market today. This is a new technology that hasn't became mainstream like 4K yet, but still gives the user a lot of room for cropping or sampling down to 4K or lower if needed.

A great advantage of Nikon Z9 while shooting video at max resolution of 8K is that there is no crop factor so you can use your lens with its actual focal length.

High-Speed Video

Z9 features a high speed mode where it captures videos at 120fps which helps to create slow motion videos. If you shoot a video at a frame rate of 120fps and play it back at 24fps, the video will be 5x slower and longer than normal.

Z9 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Nikon Z9 also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Nikon Z9 a very suitable camera high quality videography.

Nikon Z9 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Nikon Z9 can shoot continuously at max speed of 30 fps and has max shutter speed of . Z9 also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/32000s. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

Flash

Unfortunately Z9 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

Focusing

Nikon Z9 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 493 points to choose from.

Nikon Z9 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically. In addition to the face detect AF, Z9 has a more sophisticated feature called Eye Tracking AF which detects and locks focus to the selected eye of the person in the frame accurately and tracks as the subject moves. Eye tracking AF of Nikon Z9 is a perfect feature for shooting portraits and is especially useful when fast lenses are used and the depth of field is very narrow.

Focus Stacking

Macro shooters will love Nikon Z9's Focus Stacking feature. In this mode, Z9 automatically composites multiple shots taken at different focal positions using focus bracketing to create a single image with maximum depth of field.

What type of Photography is Nikon Z9 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Nikon Z9 in 5 different photography areas.

Nikon Z9 for Portrait Photography

Nikon Z9 has a score of 80 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 46.0MP
Image Stabilization

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z9 for Portrait Photography

Nikon Z9 for Street Photography

Nikon Z9 has a score of 94 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen

Image Stabilization
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Medium sized Body

Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z9 for Street Photography

Nikon Z9 for Sports Photography

Nikon Z9 has a score of 81 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 30.0fps
Environmental Sealings
493 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 740 shots
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection

Good Ergonomics&Handling
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Image Stabilization
Anti Flicker feature
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/s

Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z9 for Sports Photography

Nikon Z9 for Daily Photography

Nikon Z9 has a score of 83 for Daily Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Environmental Sealings
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Medium size Body

1340g
Body Thickness 91mm

Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z9 for Daily Photography

Nikon Z9 for Landscape Photography

Nikon Z9 has a score of 64 for Landscape Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Live-view
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor

Very High Resolution Sensor: 46.0MP
Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z9 for Landscape Photography

Nikon Z9 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Nikon Z9 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon Z9 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Nikon Z9

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon Z9 amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Nikon Z9 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Nikon Z9 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Nikon Z9's price range.

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Nikon Z9 Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Nikon Z9 has an Overall Score of 100/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Nikon Z9 is ranked #1 out of 231 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 20 Mirrorless), and ranked #7 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#7 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
#1 out of 231 in Top Ranking Mirrorless Cameras
#1 out of 60 in Top Ranking Pro Mirrorless Cameras
#1 out of 92 in Top Ranking Full frame Sensor Cameras
#1 out of 10 in Top Ranking Nikon Z Lens Mount Cameras
#18 out of 366 in Largest Viewfinder Magnification Cameras (0.8x)
#44 out of 45 in Lightest Mirrorless Cameras with Full frame sensor(1340g)
#1 out of 191 in Top Ranking Cameras with Tilting Screen
One of only 4 Cameras to have a 8K Video Recording

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon Z9

Does the Nikon Z9 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Nikon Z9 have RAW support?
Does the Nikon Z9 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Nikon Z9 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Nikon Z9?
What is the Sensor Size of Nikon Z9?
is the Nikon Z9 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Nikon Z9 have Touch Screen?
Does the Nikon Z9 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon Z9?
What is the Weight of Nikon Z9?
What are the Dimensions of Nikon Z9?

Nikon Z9 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Nikon
Model	Nikon Z9
Announced	2021-10-29
Body Type	SLR-style mirrorless
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Nikon Z
Number of Lenses	33
Focal Length Multiplier	1x
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Tilting
Screen Size	3.20"
Screen Resolution	2,089k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	3,686k dots
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.8x
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	900s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	n/a
Max Electronic Shutter Speed	1/32000s
Continuous Shooting	30.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	no built-in flash
Max Flash Sync	1/200s
Flash Modes	Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Off
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	98
DxO Color Depth	26.3
DxO Dynamic Range	14.8
DxO Low Light ISO	2451
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	Stacked CMOS
Sensor Size	Full frame
Sensor Dimensions	35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Area	858.01mm²
Sensor Resolution	46 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	8256 x 5504
Max Native ISO	25,600
Max Boosted ISO	102400
Min Native ISO	64
Min Boosted ISO	32
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	493
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	7680 x 4320 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, L
Max Video Resolution	7680 x 4320
Video Formats	H.264, H.265
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	1340g
Physical Dimensions	149 x 150 x 91mm
Battery Life	740 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	EN-EL18d
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Built-in
Storage Type	Dual CFexpress Type B slots
Storage Slots	2